"I perceive value, I confer value, I create value, I even create — or guarantee — existence. Hence, my compulsion to make “lists.” The things (Beethoven’s music, movies, business firms) won’t exist unless I signify my interest in them by at least noting down their names.” -Susan Sontag

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

GG Noms!

Right. I haven't been updating with all the Critics lists that have been coming out, since I'm just so swamped, but Social Network has been leading the way, except the Critics Choice, where Black Swan received a record number of nominations.

But, let us set aside these lists for now and look at the just released Golden Globe nominations:

Pretty much what you would expect. Having seen 4 of these, I think they are good picks. (Yes, I will probably see the King's Speech, too...)

Best Picture — Musical or ComedyAlice in WonderlandBurlesqueThe Kids Are All RightRedThe Tourist

Wow. The start of the shocking amount of love for the Tourist. Is it because it was filmed in Venice? Probably. Hollywood Foreign Press, you so crazy. I like the inclusion of Red, which is surprising, and calling The Kids Are All Right a comedy gets it included, I guess.

Solid. And I am THRILLED Ryan Gosling is up for Blue Valentine. He really needed this to stay alive in the Oscar race. Happy to see Mark Wahlberg and Jesse Eisenberg in there. I have yet to see 127 hours, but I assume that is a good pick and we already knew Colin Firth would be up.

And then we get to a category like this. WTF? Look, I love Johnny Depp. He has done phenomenal, interesting work over the years. But I'm not sure there was enough of a performance under all the makeup and crazy in Alice in Wonderland, and almost no one has had good things to say about the Tourist. Pleasantly surprised to see the other 3, but let's face it. None of these performances hold a candle to the next 5 actors who would be up in the drama category (say, Jeff Bridges, Robert Duvall, Javier Bardem, Ryan Reynolds (yes, I'm being serious), and Andrew Garfield (he should be up for Red Riding!). How about Leonardo DiCaprio for Inception? Jim Broadbent for Another Year?) Sometimes the comedy/musical category is a good way to highlight performances that are too far out of mainstream drama to receive Oscar consideration (see: Richard Gere, Gene Hackman, Jim Carrey). And sometimes you have this year.

Best Actress — Musical or ComedyAnnette Bening, The Kids Are All RightAnne Hathaway, Love and Other DrugsAngelina Jolie, The TouristJulianne Moore, The Kids Are All RightEmma Stone, Easy A

Hey look, the one time Julianne Moore will get included with Annette Bening. Anne Hathaway and Emma Stone are good picks. Could we not have recognized Angelina for, say, A Mighty Heart? What is this Tourist crap?

Best Supporting ActorChristian Bale, The FighterMichael Douglas, Wall Street: Money Never SleepsAndrew Garfield, The Social NetworkJeremy Renner, The TownGeoffrey Rush, The King’s Speech

Pretty solid, although Michael Douglas feels like a pity inclusion. (sorry. I feel bad saying that.) Christian Bale and Andrew Garfield are a tough choice. They are both so good. For individual roles, Bale might have the edge, but seeing as Garfield has been in 3 excellent performances this year, he'll have the edge if they go with body of work. I heard good things about Jeremy Renner in the Town, so it's nice to see him, although I'm disappointed John Hawkes didn't make it (not surprising, but it would have been nice.) I wonder if this puts a nail in Armie Hammer's campaigning? (I mean, I doubt it'll stop Justin Timberlake from dreaming).

Best Screenplay 127 Hours, Simon Beaufoy and Danny BoyleInception, Christopher Nolan The Kids Are All Right, Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg The King’s Speech, David Seidler The Social Network, Aaron Sorkin

Yup. Pretty much what you'd expect.

Best Original Song“Bound to You,” Burlesque (performed by Christina Aguilera; written by Samuel Dixon, Christina Aguilera and Sia Furler)“Coming Home,” Country Strong (performed by Gwyneth Paltrow; written by Bob PiPiero, Tom Douglas, Hillary Lindsey, Troy Verges)“I See the Light,” Tangled (performed by Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi; written by Alan Menken & Glenn Slater)“There’s a Place For Us,” The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (performed by Carrie Underwood; written by Carrie Underwood, David Hodges, Hillary Lindsey)“You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me Yet,” Burlesque (performed by Cher; written by Diane Warren)

Okay. I don't know. Despite the glitter and lashes, I haven't seen Burlesque.